INS Udaygiri, a symbol of India's expanding indigenous naval capabilities, was officially delivered to the Indian Navy on July 1, 2025. This vessel is the second in the series of seven stealth frigates under Project 17A, strengthening the Navy’s blue-water operational reach.
About
Named after a previous Indian Navy warship, the original INS Udaygiri, a steam-powered ship, decommissioned in 2007 after 31 years of service.The new Udaygiri is a modern reincarnation designed for multi-mission roles in blue-water environments, capable of dealing with both conventional and non-conventional maritime threats. INS Udaygiri is the third ship in the Project 17A class, an advanced variant of the Shivalik-class stealth frigates. These ships are being built with improved stealth features, advanced sensors, and better automation.
Missile Systems
Supersonic Surface-to-Surface Missile System
Enables long-range precision strike capability against surface targets.
Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) System
Provides area air defence against enemy aircraft, drones, and incoming missiles.
Naval Guns and Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS)
76 mm Naval Gun
Used for surface and aerial threats, including shore bombardment.
30 mm and 12.7 mm Rapid-Fire Guns
Serve as Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) for close-range defence against fast-approaching threats like speedboats, drones, or missiles.
Role and Strategic Importance
Part of India's vision to build a self-reliant and modern blue-water navy.
It is Designed for multi-mission operations, capable of engaging both conventional and non-conventional threats.
It Operates in Blue Water environments, safeguarding India’s maritime interests across distant seas.
What is Project 17A?
Project 17 Alpha (P-17A) is an Indian Navy initiative started in 2019 to build a new series of stealth guided-missile frigates.
The frigates are being constructed by:
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata
Key Features
Stealth Design:
Incorporates radar-absorbent coatings and a low-observable hull shape to reduce detectability.
Employs technology to reduce the ship’s infrared signature.
These features enable the ships to approach enemy targets undetected, enhancing survivability and tactical advantage.
Ships in the Series
The first ship, INS Nilgiri, was launched in 2019.
The second ship, INS Udaygiri, was launched in May 2022 and expected to be commissioned around 2025.
INS Taragiri, the third ship in India's Project 17A (P-17A) stealth frigate program:
In total, seven P-17A frigates are under various stages of construction at MDL and GRSE.
Strategic and Economic Benefits
The project boosts economic development and employment generation for Indian shipyards and their ancillary industries.
Approximately 75% of orders for Project 17A components have been placed with indigenous firms, including many MSMEs.
This significantly supports Atmanirbhar Bharat by promoting self-reliance in complex frontline warship construction.
It elevates India’s status in the global shipbuilding industry, showcasing its capability to design and build advanced stealth warships indigenously.
The scheme was recently approved by the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister of India, with a corpus of Rs. 1 lakh crore.
What is the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme?
Initiated by: Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
Purpose: To incentivize private sector investment in basic and applied research leading to innovative products and technologies.
Funding: Rs 1 lakh crore over 50 years, provided as an interest-free loan to the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
Distinctive Feature: Exclusively targets the private sector, unlike ANRF grants which mostly go to academic institutions.
Purpose and Aim
Provide long-term financing/refinancing with long tenors at low or zero interest rates.
Overcome funding challenges faced by the private sector in research, development, and innovation (RDI).
Offer growth and risk capital to sunrise and strategic sectors to facilitate innovation, technology adoption, and enhance competitiveness.
Key Objectives:
Encourage scaling up of RDI in sunrise and strategic sectors critical for economic security, self-reliance, and strategic advantage.
Finance transformative projects at higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRL).
Support acquisition of critical or high-strategic importance technologies.
Facilitate establishment of a Deep-Tech Fund of Funds to promote startups and innovation.
Funding Mechanism
Two-tiered structure:
Special Purpose Fund (SPF) within the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) acts as custodian of the Rs 1 lakh crore fund.
SPF allocates funds to second-level fund managers, primarily as long-term concessional loans (low or zero interest).
Financing options:
Long-term loans for R&D projects.
Equity investments, particularly in startups.
Contributions to Deep-Tech Fund of Funds or other RDI-focused funds.
Governance & Execution
Strategic direction: Provided by the Governing Board of ANRF, chaired by the Prime Minister.
Policy guidelines & approvals: Handled by the Executive Council (EC) of ANRF, including selection of second-level fund managers and project scopes.
Oversight and review: Managed by an Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS), led by the Cabinet Secretary. EGoS approves scheme changes, sectors, projects, and fund managers, and monitors performance.
Implementation nodal agency: Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Why India Needs This Scheme: Challenges in Private Sector R&D
Low private R&D spend: Only about 0.2% of GDP, much lower than advanced economies.
Weak industry-academia linkages: Lack of collaboration, trust issues, and IP disputes.
Market & funding gaps: Early-stage tech (TRL 3-6) faces “valley of death” underfunding.
IP challenges: Long patent approvals, costly litigation, and weak enforcement.
Talent shortage & infrastructure: Brain drain, skill mismatches, costly labs, limited access to public R&D facilities.
Risk aversion: Cultural barriers reduce innovation risk-taking.
CARA clarified that digitally certified adoption orders sent via email are legally valid and hard copies are not mandatory for adoptive parents. This aims to simplify and speed up adoption procedures.
About CARA
Established: 1990 as an autonomous body; became a statutory body under Section 68 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (JJ Act 2015).
Ministry: Functions under the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India.
Role: Nodal agency for in-country and inter-country child adoption regulation and monitoring.
International Role: Designated Central Authority for inter-country adoption as per the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption, 1993, ratified by India in 2003.
Focus: Adoption of orphaned, abandoned, and surrendered children through recognized adoption agencies.
Functions of CARA
Adoption Regulation & Facilitation:
Monitor and regulate in-country adoptions.
Process applications from NRIs, OCIs, and foreigners for adopting Indian children.
Issue No Objection Certificates and Conformity Certificates for inter-country adoptions under Hague Convention.
Coordinate with immigration authorities regarding child adoption cases abroad.
Support & Capacity Building:
Guide and support State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARA), District Child Protection Units (DCPUs), Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs), and other stakeholders.
Conduct trainings, workshops, seminars, and other capacity-building programs.
Coordination & Advisory:
Coordinate with State Governments and advise on adoption policies and procedures.
Establish uniform standards and indicators for adoption services.
Research & Data Management:
Maintain centralized, confidential databases of children and prospective adoptive parents through the Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System (CARINGS).
Conduct research and publish reports related to adoption.
Advocacy & Awareness:
Carry out awareness campaigns and communication efforts to promote adoption and non-institutional child care services.
International Cooperation:
Enter into bilateral agreements with foreign adoption authorities as per Hague Convention requirements.
Authorize foreign adoption agencies to sponsor adoption applications of NRIs, OCIs, and foreigners.
Counseling & Support Services:
Operate counseling centers at the central level and support states in establishing counseling services for adoption-related matters.
Regulatory Oversight
CARA regulates and monitors bodies including:
State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARA)
Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAA)
Authorised Foreign Adoption Agencies (AFAA)
Child Welfare Committees (CWC)
District Child Protection Units (DPU)
Objectives and Mandate
Regulate and monitor both in-country and inter-country adoption procedures in India.
Ensure that all adoptions are conducted in the best interest of the child.
Comply with the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation (1993), which India ratified in 2003.
Cater to Indian residents as well as Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
Laws Governing Adoption in India
India primarily follows two laws that regulate adoption:
1. Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act (HAMA), 1956
Applicability:
Applicable to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs.
Adoption Procedure:
Adoption is legally recognized through:
A “dattaka hom” ceremony (traditional adoption ritual), or
An adoption deed, or
A court order.
Legal Effect:
These methods grant irrevocable adoption rights over the child.
Eligibility:
Eligibility criteria are defined under the Act but are separate from the Juvenile Justice Act.
2. Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (JJ Act 2015)
Applicability:
Applies universally, regardless of religion, making it the primary adoption law for non-Hindus and those seeking to adopt through CARA.
Procedure:
Prospective adoptive parents register on the CARA portal.
A Specialised Adoption Agency (SAA) conducts a home study report to assess eligibility.
Once eligibility is confirmed, a child legally declared free for adoption is referred to the applicant.
Focus:
Child welfare-centric process ensuring legal safeguards and transparency.
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Act, 2021
Key Change:
District Magistrates (DMs) and Additional District Magistrates (ADMs) are now authorized to issue adoption orders under Section 61 of the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act, 2015.
Earlier System:
Previously, only civil courts could issue adoption orders, which often caused delays.
Impact:
This decentralization has sped up the adoption process at the district level.
Major Challenges in Adoption in India
Lengthy and Complex Adoption Process
The adoption procedure is bureaucratic and slow, causing delays in child placements.
Statistics show over 30,000 prospective parents are waiting to adopt, but only about 2,131 children are legally free for adoption.
Nearly two-thirds of these children have special needs, and the process takes up to 3 years to complete.
Illegal and Unregulated Practices
Cases of baby trafficking, child-selling, and unregistered agencies exploiting vulnerable children and parents have been reported.
Notable incident: In 2018, a “baby-selling racket” scandal involved Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity in Ranchi.
Returning Adopted Children
A growing issue where adoptive parents return children to child care institutions.
From CARA data in 2020: over 1,100 children have been returned in the last five years, indicating potential gaps in post-adoption support.
Way Forward: Recommendations to Improve Adoption
Strengthening Adoption Laws
Review and update laws to simplify the process and ensure transparency.
Address procedural delays, ambiguities, and close legal loopholes.
Post-Adoption Services
Establish support services like counseling, healthcare, education, and guidance for adoptive families.
Help manage challenges after adoption to reduce returns and ensure child welfare.
Awareness and Education
Promote public awareness about adoption as a positive family-building option.
Dispel myths and stigma related to adoption through education campaigns.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ghana as part of a five-nation tour, marking the first visit by an Indian PM in over 30 years.The visit reflects India’s commitment to deepening ties with West Africa, particularly Ghana as a strategic partner.
Historic Honour
PM Modi was awarded Ghana’s highest civilian honour – Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana – recognizing his global leadership and statesmanship.
Elevation of Ties
Bilateral relationship elevated to a Comprehensive Partnership, reflecting stronger strategic, economic, and cultural cooperation.
Digital Public Infrastructure Cooperation
India offered to share its experience in Digital Public Infrastructure, including Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and digital identity solutions.
Voice for the Global South
India reaffirmed its commitment to being a champion of the Global South, thanking Ghana for its diplomatic support.
MoUs Signed
Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP): Promotes art, dance, literature, heritage.
BIS–GSA Agreement: Cooperation in standardisation and certification.
Traditional Medicine MoU: Between India’s ITRA and Ghana’s ITAM for Ayurveda and local healing systems.
Institutional MoU: Framework for Joint Commission Meetings to review and expand bilateral cooperation.
Location: West Africa; borders Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo, and the Gulf of Guinea.
Historical Significance: First sub-Saharan African country to gain independence in 1957; formerly the Gold Coast.
Natural Wealth: Rich in gold, cocoa, cashews, and oil.
Stability: Political and economic reforms since the 1990s have made Ghana a model of democracy in Africa.
Geographic Features:
Mount Afadjato (highest peak), Volta River, and Lake Volta (one of the world’s largest man-made lakes).
1. Early Diplomatic Ties
India established a representative office in Accra in 1953.
Full diplomatic relations were formalized in 1957, coinciding with Ghana’s independence.
2. Shared Global Platforms
Both countries are founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
They have consistently collaborated on issues like decolonisation and South-South cooperation.
3. Institutional Mechanisms
The India–Ghana Joint Commission was set up in 1995 to enable regular high-level dialogues.
The Joint Trade Committee and Foreign Office Consultations further strengthen trade and diplomatic coordination.
4. Economic Relations
Bilateral trade crossed USD 3 billion in 2024-25.
Ghana exports gold, cocoa, and cashew nuts to India.
India exports pharmaceuticals, agricultural machinery, and textiles to Ghana.
The trade balance generally favours Ghana, mainly due to gold exports constituting 70% of imports.
5. Indian Investment and Healthcare Support
Indian pharmaceutical companies are vital to Ghana’s healthcare system.
Indian firms have invested nearly USD 2 billion in around 900 projects across Ghana.
6. Development Projects and Financial Assistance
India has provided over USD 450 million in concessional loans and grants.
Projects include rural electrification, sugar and fish processing facilities.
India supported the Tema–Mpakadan railway project, featuring a 300-metre bridge over the Volta River, enhancing infrastructure and regional connectivity (linking Ghana with Burkina Faso).
7. Digital and Educational Collaboration
The Ghana–India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (established 2003) is a leading IT research and education hub in West Africa.
The Pan-African e-Network provides telemedicine and tele-education via Indian institutions.
Over 1,100 Ghanaians trained under India’s ITEC program.
Ghana joined India’s e-VidyaBharati and e-AarogyaBharati (e-VBAB) Network Project offering scholarships in IT, healthcare, business, tourism, and arts.
8. Indian Community and Cultural Ties
The Indian diaspora in Ghana numbers over 15,000.
Facilities include a Hindu temple, Gurudwara, and Hindu monastery.
Organizations like ISKCON (mostly Ghanaian-run) and cultural centers promote Indian traditions.
PM Narendra Modi was warmly welcomed with the chant "Hare Rama Hare Krishna," highlighting the strong cultural connection and India’s growing soft power in Ghana.
Strategic Location: Ghana’s central position in West Africa and proximity to the Gulf of Guinea make it a natural hub for regional diplomacy and trade.
Democratic Stability: Ghana’s political stability and democratic credentials make it an ideal partner for India’s Africa-focused outreach.
Access to ECOWAS: Ghana’s active role in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) enhances India’s engagement with the wider West African region.
Critical Raw Materials: Ghana provides access to key natural resources such as:
Gold (comprising ~70% of Indian imports from Ghana)
Bauxite
Cocoa
Trade Hub: India is one of Ghana’s top trading partners; Ghana benefits from a trade surplus, while India secures vital resources and export markets.
Investment Destination: India is a top investor in Ghana across agro-processing, ICT, manufacturing, and infrastructure.
Maritime Importance: Ghana’s coastline along the Gulf of Guinea is vital for:
Maritime security
Energy shipping routes
Anti-piracy operations
Defence Cooperation Potential: Expanding defence ties could open doors for:
Indian defence exports
Joint training and capacity building
Security partnerships in Africa
Infrastructure Support: India has financed key infrastructure projects:
Tema–Mpakadan Railway Line
Rural electrification
Water supply and sanitation
Lines of Credit & Grants: Over USD 450 million extended in concessional finance.
Goodwill Diplomacy: Developmental assistance enhances India’s reputation as a responsible and empathetic partner.
Pharmaceutical Hub: Ghana is a key destination for Indian generic drugs.
Vaccine Collaboration: India aims to develop a regional vaccine hub in Ghana, aligning with:
India’s strength in affordable vaccine production
Africa’s growing healthcare infrastructure needs
Support for UNSC Seat: Ghana backs India’s claim for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council.
Collaborative Platforms:
Commonwealth
Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
G77
India-Africa Forum Summit
Shared values of democracy, equity, and south-south cooperation enhance diplomatic resonance.
Strong Indian Community: Over 15,000 persons of Indian origin contribute to Ghana’s economy, especially in trade, textiles, healthcare, and hospitality.
Soft Power:
Cultural exports: Yoga, Indian cinema, and Ayurveda
Shared religious and spiritual traditions: ISKCON, temples, and cultural centers run by both Indians and Ghanaians
Reinforces India’s image as an inclusive, pluralistic and benevolent global power.
1. Economic Relations
India is Africa’s 4th largest trading partner, with USD 100 billion in bilateral trade as of February 2025.
Indian investments in Africa total USD 75 billion, with plans to double by 2030.
2. Development & Capacity Building
Over USD 12 billion extended in concessional credit for 200+ projects in infrastructure, energy, and agriculture.
Capacity-building initiatives include ITEC, Pan-African e-Network, and e-VBAB (education and healthcare scholarships).
3. Amplifying Africa’s Voice
India strongly supported the African Union’s bid for permanent UNSC membership during its G20 presidency.
Platforms like the India-Africa Forum Summit foster enhanced diplomatic and economic ties.
4. Strategic & Maritime Security Cooperation
Africa’s location in the Indian Ocean region is vital for India’s maritime security and trade routes.
India opened its first overseas naval base in Mauritius (2024) and hosts the India-Africa Army Chiefs Conclave (2023), strengthening defense collaboration.
5. Energy & Critical Minerals Security
Africa supplies crude oil (Nigeria, Angola) and critical minerals (cobalt, manganese) crucial for India’s clean energy and electric vehicle goals.
6. Cultural & Historical Foundations
Strong links via the Indian diaspora, shared colonial history, and inspiration from freedom struggles (e.g., Gandhi and Mandela).
7. Technology & Innovation Collaboration
Partnerships in digital transformation, smart cities, and fintech driven by Indian IT firms and startups.
India committed USD 2 billion for solar projects in Africa under the International Solar Alliance.
8. India-Japan-Africa Trilateral Engagement
Through the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC), India combines Japan’s capital, its own tech, and Africa’s youthful population to promote inclusive growth and development.
Launch Date & Location: Recently launched from Tanegashima Space Centre, Japan.
Agency: Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
Launch Vehicle: H-2A rocket.
Orbit: Sun-synchronous orbit at 666 km altitude with a 3-day repeat cycle.
Full name: Global Observing SATellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle.
Purpose: Earth observation focused on climate and environmental monitoring.
Instruments onboard:
TANSO-3 (Total Anthropogenic and Natural emissions mapping SpectrOmeter-3)
AMSR3 (Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 3)
Monitor global atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs).
Verify national anthropogenic GHG emissions inventories.
Detect GHG emissions from major sources such as megacities and power plants.
The pharma unit of Sigachi Industries in Hyderabad, which produces microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), recently experienced a deadly accident.The death toll has risen to 36.
Definition: A free-flowing powder extracted from refined wood pulp (fibrous plant material).
Chemical Nature: Purified, partially depolymerized cellulose with formula (C6H10O5)n. It is chemically inert, not digested or absorbed in the human body.
Physical Structure:
Made from wood, where cellulose chains are tightly packed and layered, held by cross-linking polymers and hydrogen bonds. It has a crystalline structure due to microfibres with strong 3D internal bonding.
Properties:
Exhibits plastic deformation during compression, increasing interparticle bonding — the key to its excellent binding ability.
Safety: Natural, fiber-rich, non-toxic, and chewable.
Widely used in the pharmaceutical industry as a texturizer, extender, emulsifier, and binder.
Essential for making vitamin supplements and tablets.
Acts as a bulking agent in food production.
Helps add weight to drugs and ensures active ingredients work effectively, maintaining drug weight standards.
RailOne is an all-in-one mobile app designed for Indian Railways passengers to access multiple rail-related services through a single platform.
Developed by: Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), under the Ministry of Railways.
Objective: To enhance the digital interface, provide seamless access to railway services, and reduce the need to use multiple apps.
Integrated Passenger Services:
Unreserved ticket booking via UTS, live train tracking, e-catering, porter services, last-mile taxi booking — all in one app.
Digital Ticketing Benefits:
Unreserved UTS tickets purchased through the app’s R-Wallet offer a 3% discount.
Unified Login System:
Single sign-on with mPIN, biometric authentication, and compatibility with existing UTS/RailConnect credentials.
Space-Efficient:
Eliminates the requirement to download multiple separate railway apps.
The Bukkapatna Chinkara Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Tumakuru district of Karnataka, was established with the purpose of conserving the Indian Gazelle, commonly known as the Chinkara. This sanctuary plays a vital role in the protection of the species and the wider biodiversity of the region.
Location:
Situated in Tumakuru district, Karnataka.
It is primarily dedicated to the conservation of the Indian Gazelle (Chinkara).
Establishment:
Declared as a sanctuary in 2019, focusing on the Indian Gazelle and its habitat.
It is the second Chinkara sanctuary in Karnataka after the sanctuary at Yadahalli in Bagalkot district (2016).
Ecological Significance:
The sanctuary is located in a wooded savannah ecosystem, a mix of grasslands and scattered trees, which is the natural habitat for the Indian Gazelle and other species.
Vegetation in the sanctuary includes native species that support a variety of fauna.
Flora:
Some of the prominent tree species found in the sanctuary include:
Hardwickia binata (Anjan)
Phyllanthus emblica (Amla)
Boswellia serrata (Shallaki)
Tamarindus indica (Imli)
Pterocarpus marsupium (Bijaka)
Anogeissus latifolia (Dhaura)
Shorea talura
Terminalia tementose
Fauna:
The Indian Gazelle (Chinkara) is the primary species, but the sanctuary is also home to several other animals, including:
Four-horned antelope
Blackbucks
Sloth bears
Leopards
The sanctuary harbors a rich diversity of wildlife, including several endangered species.
Ecological Features:
The sanctuary is part of the wooded savannah ecosystem where grasses grow in abundance, interspersed with native tree species.
This environment provides a suitable habitat for the species it aims to protect.
Recently, 300 acres of encroached forest land were cleared in the sanctuary, a step that underscores the efforts being made to restore the habitat and ensure the safety of wildlife in the region. The clearing of this encroached land is critical for:
Conservation of Habitat: Ensuring that the habitat for Chinkaras and other species remains intact and free from illegal human activities that threaten the ecosystem.
Wildlife Protection: By removing encroachments, authorities can reduce the human-wildlife conflict and provide a safe haven for the animals.
Restoration of Ecosystem: Removing encroachments helps in the natural restoration of the flora and fauna, promoting biodiversity.
Biodiversity Conservation: The sanctuary plays a vital role in conserving not just the Indian Gazelle, but also other species like blackbucks, sloth bears, and leopards, all of which contribute to the richness of the ecosystem.
Protected Area for Vulnerable Species: It provides a sanctuary for Chinkaras, which are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, but still face threats due to habitat loss and human interference.
Ecological Balance: By conserving this region, the sanctuary helps maintain the ecological balance of the Garjan hills and surrounding areas, which are home to many other species of plants and animals.
While the clearing of encroached land is a significant step forward, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed:
Ongoing Encroachment: The sanctuary's borders need constant vigilance to prevent further encroachment by local populations or illegal activities.
Human-Wildlife Conflict: As the region becomes more settled, there is a potential for increased human-wildlife conflict, especially as wildlife habitats are reduced.
Poaching and Illegal Activities: Despite being a protected area, wildlife sanctuaries often face challenges from poaching, which affects the populations of animals like the Chinkara and Leopards.
The Bukkapatna Chinkara Wildlife Sanctuary stands as a beacon for wildlife conservation in Karnataka, dedicated to the protection of the Indian Gazelle and other species. The recent clearance of encroached land is a positive move, contributing to the restoration of the sanctuary and safeguarding its biodiversity. However, sustained conservation efforts and community engagement will be key in ensuring that the sanctuary remains a thriving habitat for generations to come.
The term "Girmitiyas" refers to the Indian indentured labourers who were transported to various British colonies in the mid to late 19th century to work under exploitative contracts. These individuals, primarily from the regions of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, were part of a large migration wave to work on plantations and in other industries across places like Fiji, Mauritius, South Africa, Trinidad, and Guyana.
The word “Girmitiya” is derived from the term ‘Girmit’, which is a corrupted form of the word ‘agreement’.
The indentured labourers, who signed these contracts, pronounced ‘agreement’ as ‘girmit’, and hence became known as “Girmitiyas”.
Despite the "agreement" signed by these workers, the contracts were far from fair. They were often tricked or coerced into taking these contracts, expecting better employment opportunities, but were subjected to severe exploitation and oppression in foreign lands.
Journey: The journeys taken by these indentured workers were long and arduous, typically aboard slave ships that were poorly equipped and overcrowded.
Working Conditions: Once they arrived in the British colonies, the working conditions were harsh:
Slave-like living conditions: Many were forced to live in barracks, which were overcrowded and lacking proper facilities.
Low wages: Workers were paid very little for their labor, far below what was promised to them.
Lack of Legal Protection: There were no legal frameworks in place to protect their rights, and they had little recourse to address grievances.
Although girmitiyas were not technically slaves, they faced a form of “blackbirding”—a practice in which people were tricked, coerced, or forced into labor, often with no choice but to work in poor conditions.
Despite the harsh history of the girmitiyas, their descendants have gone on to achieve remarkable success and recognition in the countries they helped build.
Economic and Social Contributions:
The descendants of girmitiyas have contributed significantly to the economic development of countries like Fiji, Mauritius, and Trinidad and Tobago.
They played a key role in the growth of the sugarcane industry and other plantations that were vital to the economies of the colonies at the time.
Cultural Integration:
Over the years, the Indian diaspora in these regions developed unique cultural identities, blending Indian traditions with the local cultures, giving rise to a rich cultural heritage that is celebrated today.
Political Success:
The descendants of girmitiyas have prospered in many fields including business, arts, and notably politics. Some have even held high-level government positions in countries like Mauritius, Trinidad and Tobago, and Fiji.
In Fiji, for example, Indo-Fijians, who are descendants of girmitiyas, have had significant representation in the government.
Resilience and Success:
Despite their painful history of forced migration and exploitation, the descendants of Girmitiyas have been able to turn the tables and achieve remarkable success, demonstrating incredible resilience and determination.
Their achievements are now honored and celebrated, with their stories of struggle, service, and values being recognized and appreciated by modern societies.
The Prime Minister of India recently acknowledged that the descendants of the girmitiyas are no longer defined by struggle, but by their “success, service, and values”. This marks a shift in how their contributions are viewed—no longer as a legacy of exploitation, but as a testament to their perseverance, resilience, and success.
Recognition of Contributions:
Recognizing the success of the descendants of girmitiyas helps honor their resilience and the sacrifices made by those who faced exploitation.
Strengthening Diasporic Ties:
The acknowledgment strengthens the cultural and emotional bonds between India and the countries where these communities have settled, fostering a sense of pride and unity.
Historical Reflection:
By reflecting on their history, the stories of struggle, injustice, and eventual success serve as important reminders of the challenges that immigrant communities faced and overcame, and the lessons they impart for future generations.
The girmitiyas and their descendants have come a long way from their days of forced migration and exploitation. Their journey from being seen as mere indentured workers to now being recognized for their success and contributions is a testament to the power of resilience. Today, the legacy of the girmitiyas serves as a symbol of triumph over adversity, and their stories continue to inspire countless individuals around the world.
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We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
Offline/Online Class
